We define “civic engagement ,” as individual or collective efforts that identify and address community needs and issues of public concern. It can include directly addressing an issue, working with others in a community to solve a problem, interacting with public and private decision makers, promoting volunteerism, fostering electoral participation, developing skills through training and workshops that foster strong leadership, or other approaches.
Examples of civic engagement include:
• development of youth or senior leadership
• community service projects or other projects which encourage volunteerism
• neighborhood or community organizing projects that address issues such as neighborhood safety, environmental justice, social justice, or cultural exchange
• projects which promote participation in the electoral process
• projects which encourage inter-generational collaborations
The funding priority may shift in subsequent grant cycles, based on the mutual agreement of Lunar Giving Circle members.
What communities do you serve?
The Lunar Giving Circle will fund nonprofit Asian American Pacific Islander organizations or organizations serving Asian American Pacific Islander populations so long as they are a 501(c)(3) charity or have a fiscal sponsor. In 2009, we have chosen to focus on organizations with an annual budget under $500,000 that serve API communities in Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, San Francisco and San Jose counties.
Organizations may be new or well-established, and may either hold 501c3 designation or have a fiscal sponsor. Please visit our Guiding Principles to learn more about our areas of focus and eligibility of nonprofit organization working in support of the Asian American communities of the San Francisco Bay Area.
How many grants will be awarded?
Based on the strength of applications and presentations, we anticipate making between four to seven grants in 2009. Groups will receive a one-time grant of up to $5,000 for specific program expenses or core support.
